Hide and Seek

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Nicole Gordon heads east to showcase her curatorial talents

Gordon shared her passion for art by showcasing several works she has collected over the years at various flea markets and galleries. Photos by Elliott Fuerness.

Set on the second floor of a vacant building overlooking Turtle Creek, this year’s Kips Bay Decorator Show House Dallas offered seveal top designers an opportunity to reimagine spaces with uncertain futures. The building has lived several lives—most recently as office space—and now thanks to this transformation has a brand-new identity. For the second year running, Kips Bay Dallas consumed the property, this year expanding to rooms that were originally closed off. “We were very lucky to get a space that hadn’t been decorated in prior years,” says L.A.-based Nicole Gordon about her first time shaping a showcase room.

The decision to participate in Kips Bay Dallas—rather than a West Coast showcase—was uniquely personal. “We were very excited to be a part of Kips Bay and we very much care about the importance of a Boys & Girls Club supporting our youth,” Gordon says. With a long history of volunteering with foster youth, the mission resonated, as did the chance to experience Dallas in a new light. “We were excited to explore the city, work with local trades and craftspeople and really connect with people. We’ve always been told how welcoming Dallas is, and that couldn’t have been truer,” she recalls.

A rare Dahlia chandelier by Max Ingrand for Fontana Arte illuminates the deep burgundy space. Photos by Elliott Fuerness.

The resulting space, which Gordon and her team named “the Overlook Hideaway,” was designed as an exclusive lounge where one can find high-design respite. “We had this great view of Turtle Creek, which is such a beautiful walking trail and river in the heart of the city,” Gordon explains. “And ‘hideaway’ felt right because the room was meant to be a place you’d disappear into.”

At the heart of the design is the studio’s philosophy: functional, inviting and quietly luxurious. “We wanted the space to reflect what a lot of our clients ask of us,” she notes. “Something fun and cozy, elevated but not too precious.” Many of those clients live highly public lives and crave privacy when entertaining. “It’s hard for them to go to bars or clubs discreetly,” the designer says. “They love sports, board games, poker and spending time with friends and family—so they want spaces that support that kind of living.”

Drapery from The Shade Store sheds light on the bar, where guests can sit on a set of Dombak barstools by Natasha Baradaran.
Photos by Elliott Fuerness.

Comfort was nonnegotiable. Gordon laughs about their signature seating choice: “We call it a ‘Sloth’ sofa—some- thing that’s beautiful, but you can absolutely fall asleep on.” The room also provides a stylish solution to a common design fumble—providing a lively AV experience without letting technology dominate visually. “Our clients often want to watch games or live events, but we never want the TV to be the focal point. We always design ways to conceal it so it’s not front and center,” Gordon proclaims.

Through color and layers of art and accessories the team devised a dramatic transformation. Acoustical tile ceiling, vinyl wallcoverings and commercial carpeting were replaced with richly layered finishes. “We plastered all the walls with a limewash plaster in a custom color we developed with Chris from Greenpark Construction,” Gordon explains. That color story began with an oxblood Benjamin Moore paint swatch, which was used on the bar and trim and then translated into the plaster itself.

The rug was found at Arsin Rug Gallery; the mirror is an antique. Photos by Elliott Fuerness.

An antique brass mirrored wall was introduced to visually expand the space, along with carefully considered lighting and a fully functional burlwood bar outfitted with JennAir appliances. “We were actually able to entertain in the room during the show,” she adds. Gordon curated the art and objects to further the room’s narrative. Many of the pieces were collected over decades, including finds from the Paris and Chelsea flea markets, a painting by Chris Astley, works by close friend Sharon Lee and a large painting by Takao Tanabe, a Japanese Canadian artist still working at 99. “That piece was given to me by my aunt,” Gordon shares, underscoring the emotional layers embedded throughout the space. While it’s too soon to know if the project will generate new business, the impact is clear. “I love Dallas and the people there,” the designer says. “I would absolutely love to work there and spend more time getting to know that great city.”

SHOP THE LOOK: Dive into Nicole Gordon’s source list for the Overlook Hideaway

Rare Dahlia Chandelier by MAX INGRAND for FONTANA ARTE

Vintage rug found at ARSIN RUG GALLERY

Standing bronze king (circa 1900); available at JF CHEN

Dombak Bar Stool by NATASHA BARADARAN

Drapery by THE SHADE STORE